When learning how to lesson-plan, pre-service teachers I work with often notice their mentor teachers rely on shorter, more condensed lesson plans. These student teachers wonder why they are required through coursework to develop lengthy, detailed plans.
I usually fall back on analogies such as learning to drive a car—at first, it takes much thought and conscientious practice to drive, but after gaining experience, the act of driving becomes unconscious.
Similarly, with...
B. Harris, a number of years ago, stated that there are five phases frequently involved in the implementation of a new program at the school or district level. He states that these phases come in a sequential order, but they often overlap one another.
Phase one, planning and initiation: The purpose of the program is considered, goals are clarified, activities are selected, and resources needed are considered. Interests mounts as individuals involved sense the...
After serving as a teacher educator for the past two years, I have begun to reflect on why student teachers might struggle as they prepare for the profession. Of course, as in other posts, I don’t proclaim to have all the answers. Rather, I hope by writing this, it prompts discussion and further discourse, research, and contemplation—as preparing teachers is a vastly important endeavor.
Student teachers, such as the ones I work with, often carry heavy coursework loads as...
Historically, gifted education has battled to receive the same attention as other educational areas.
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I know what you’re thinking when you read this blog title: What? Loosen up? My students are not focusing, not listening, getting out of their seats—I need to tighten up!
But stay with me. I’d like to share a different perspective, one that involves how we view students’ behavior and interactions in the classroom.
Recently, I had the opportunity to travel with a group of student teachers to Costa Rica for a study abroad program. The itinerary included spending time in public...
Supporting English Language Learners has become a growing need and concern within classrooms as the culture of our country grows and evolves. Below we provide some support tips and tool suggestions for including ELL students in your classrooms.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, one in five school-aged children speak a language other than English at home – a figure that has...